Page 38 of Blood Heir

My lip twitches. The fire returns, burning right through the anxiety in my chest. “Ah, I see. She’s a jerk just like you. Must run in the family.”

His gaze flickers, jaw clenching, but this time, he says nothing. His eyes drift away, breaking the heavy stare between us.

I click my tongue, glancing away as well, but the weight pressing into my chest only grows heavier. And for the first time, it makes perfect sense.

This fear inside me—this ache in my ribs that never goes away—it’s not just about him.

Whatever I used to be to him, it was never love. It was never a partnership.

It was property. Duty.

Tears sting behind my eyes, but I force my chin high, breathing through the tightness. If he sees me break, he wins. And I refuse.

Chapter 10 - Severin

I clench my fists as she looks away, hiding her tears behind that sharp tongue of hers. The rage sits heavy inside my chest. I keep my expression still, but inside, everything tightens.

She has no idea. No idea what she’s playing with.

I blink, but I’m not seeing the present anymore.

The image of her flashes back—on that damn monitor.

Hours earlier.

Cassian had burst into my office, phone pressed to his ear, face tight. He snapped his fingers, signaling me before ending the call.

“One of my men just flagged something.” His voice was low, cautious. “She mixed in with the incoming staff this morning.”

I didn’t speak, only held out my hand. Cassian nodded and tapped the surveillance console. The screen lit up.

There she was.

Fioretta, slipping through the side corridor, head down, scarf covering half her face, sunglasses shielding the rest. Like a damn professional.

Cassian leaned forward, murmuring, “Most of the new staff don’t know about her condition. Per your instructions, I’ve kept them from gossiping. We can’t risk word getting out to Melbourne. If the other Families catch wind—”

“Show me where she is now.” My voice was ice.

He switched the feed.

There she stood. Backyard. Talking to one of the outer perimeter guards.

I watched as she leaned into him, a soft smile curling on her lips, fingers lightly brushing his neck. My teeth ground together.

The guard swallowed hard and pulled her closer. His mouth landed on her throat. His hands groped her waist as if she were his to touch.

Cassian’s eyes went wide. “Boss….”

Every cell in my body screamed to move. To break the screen. To drag her back here and remind her exactly who she belonged to.

But my voice stayed even, clipped. “No.”

Cassian blinked, confused. “My men can bring her back—”

“Let it be.”

He hesitated. “But the meeting. You can’t see your aunt without her.”

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